March and April are the months for observing Blue Herons in their nesting behavior. A small but easily overlooked rookery is right in Auburn, WA. This is a great example of how a community came together to preserve a natural resource. This marsh was saved from destruction when the highway department wanted to wipe it out for road realignment.
Take exit 143 from I-5 and go east on 320th which will turn into Peasey Canyon Rd. In just under 3/12 miles, Peasley Canyon will end at West Valley Hwy, where you turn right and go immediately into a little parking area. There are signs that direct you to the viewing area.
The large size of the herons and the presence of many nests together makes for entertaining bird watching. Whenever possible Great Blue Herons nest in trees and an established rookery may be used for decades. Preferred sites for rookeries are frequently flooded lands because this reduces the risk from ground predation. The young have an interesting defense, they will lean over the edge of their nests and vomit onto the unwelcome intruder.
The herons start returning to the nests and pairing up as early as February, but March is when they start becoming really active with their nests, territorial displays, courtship and mating. The action continues to build as the first young hatch in April and the rookery stays busy through June. Herons like to nest in cottonwoods and Alders and it can be difficult to see whats going on when the trees leaf out, so now is a good time observation.
Some interesting behaviors can be seen at the nests. “Head down”, the “stretch” and “swaying”. In the head down, a heron stands in the nest, stretches its neck and head out very straight and at an angle downward and snaps its bill. It often raises the feathers on its head and neck. It is a territorial display that signals others to stay away. Its fun when both members of a pair both display at the same time, crossing necks and clacking away with their beaks. Some call it kissing heron-style when they are swaying. A pair will lock bill tips and move their heads back and forth together. In the stretch, a bird points its beak and head straight up in the air, then lowers its head toward its back while making a crooning or howling sound. This is sometimes done after the male brings the female a gift of a nice stick to add to the nest.
Remember to observe from a distance and bring a scope or binoculars.
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